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Turning Point USA has partnered with leadership in the Tennessee state legislature to establish Club America chapters at high schools across the state.
OutKick’s very own Riley Gaines was in attendance and spoke about this momentous achievement in honor of his late friend and TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
“Being here today … I feel optimistic and inspired to see so many of you, especially you young people here,” Gaines said.
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Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist who led Turning Point USA. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
This comes on the heels of the state of Texas following a similar initiative where Club America chapters will be established at every high school in the state, according to Governor Greg Abbott.
Many of Tennessee’s state leaders, including Senator Marsha Blackburn, were also on hand to celebrate this historic victory for free speech for high school students.
Famously, in the days following Charlie Kirk’s horrific death, students across the country tried and failed to start TPUSA chapters at their schools, and in some cases were even punished for wearing suits commemorating the fallen Kirk.
Seeing states begin to fight back against education systems that stifle these expressions and call them “too political” is a breath of fresh air in an industry that is notoriously left-leaning.
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(Left) Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point Action, speaks during a rally on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, on Oct. 17, 2024. (Right) Riley Gaines speaks at a speaker at the University of Oklahoma Turning Point USA in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Getty Images/IMAGN)
Gaines called this a “total cultural revival” for the right wing on campuses across the state.
“Maybe these political issues weren’t what you wanted to do with your life,” Gaines noted, “but then you saw what happened three months ago and you felt it touch you, you felt judged… ‘how could I live a life like Charlie Kirk?'”
Despite the win, Gaines was quick to remind everyone of the work that needs to be done.
“In light of this assassination, what we’ve learned in the following weeks, seeing so many young kids wanting to get involved, I think we now understand that Tennessee is not immune…no one is immune to the cultural chaos that plagues this nation.”
Riley Gaines has fought for justice in women’s sports. (XX-XY Athletics)
The legwork is done, now it’s up to the next generation to pick up the mantle and continue Kirk’s mission.
“My message to you is to join Club America,” implored an impassioned Gaines, “bring five friends.”
With the likes of Riley Gaines at the helm, Turning Point USA’s legacy, and by extension Kirk’s, is assured.
